Grunge icon and L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has died aged 59, just days after her cancer diagnosis was made public. Finch had been due to join the all-girl music outfit on their final tour before it was revealed earlier this week that she needed 'extensive medical care' after being diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of brain cancer.
Family announces death on Instagram
On Saturday night, her loved ones posted to Finch's Instagram page to reveal that she had died. 'We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch,' the post began, alongside a photo of the musician smiling as she posed in front of a wall display of guitars. 'Jennifer's impact on the world of music was seismic; her impact on our lives, even more so.'
'We appreciate everyone's interest and concern, thank you for all the kind messages. We appreciate some space to heal privately during this difficult time,' the statement added.
L7's final tour and GoFundMe
L7 – whose longest-standing line-up was comprised of Finch, Suzi Gardner, Dee Plakas and Donita Sparks – were set to embark on their Last Hurrah Tour in October, 40 years after first forming in Los Angeles. The band had initially set up a GoFundMe in Finch's name after revealing that 'following multiple surgeries and serious complications', their bandmate required 'extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support'.
They also explained that, while the tour 'was planned along with Jennifer when all four of us were in good health and spirits', she had asked them to continue without her.
L7's legacy in punk and grunge
L7 exploded in the punk scene in the late 80s, touring and releasing four albums before their hiatus in 1996. They reformed in 2014, dropping another record. 'Heartbreaking! There aren't a lot of women that give their lives to rock n roll, to punk, to being in a band of all women… I loved you, buddy! You were one of the coolest girls that ever walked the earth! Thank you Jen, for all you've done for the rest of us girls, that are giving our lives for rock n roll, for punk, to be in a band of all women! See you soonish, sister!' commented Stacey Kelvin Dee.
